Port Townsend attorney to challenge Rep. Dicks for Democratic nomination
By Jeff Chew, Peninsula Daily News
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"I think there is a real need for someone to run against Mr. Dicks," said Richmond, 46, who is running as a Democrat. Richmond was joined by his wife, Hannah McFarland, in making the announcement.
Richmond contends that Dicks, also a Democrat, no longer serves the people and has become entrenched with Washington, D.C.'s political elite.
Richmond and his wife drove to Port Orchard earlier Tuesday morning to make the same announcement in front of the Kitsap County Courthouse.
Dicks' spokesman in Washington, D.C., George Behan, said "from Norm's standpoint, he will address all challengers when they file for office, which takes place in early June.
"He will campaign based on his own record, and expects other candidates to come forward. This is a presidential year where there are lots of issues."
Dicks is the third-ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving on three subcommittees. He has served in the congressional seat since 1976.
He is the chairman of the Appropriations Interior subcommittee and is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Richmond moved about a years ago from Seattle after 20 years there to seek a better quality of life in Port Townsend.
Terrorism act
Richmond said he is targeting Dicks in large part because of the congressman's co-sponsorship of the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Act of 2007.
Richmond — who has practiced law since 2002 and is a video producer — is convinced that the civil liberties of U.S. citizens are at risk because of the Homegrown Terrorism Act.
The bill, which had broad bipartisan support, also was co-sponsored by Rep. David G. Reichert, R-Kent, and 13 other House members.
Richmond said the law threatens activity protected by the First Amendment.
While in Seattle, Richmond represented plaintiffs against the Seattle Police Department and in medical marijuana cases.
He was a consultant and co-producer for the documentary film, "Urban Warrior."
Richmond in January stood before the City Council, helping to convince its members to delay an ordinance that would prevent the homeless from camping in Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park.
Richmond contends that the ordinance would "bulldoze the rights of the homeless," who have limited shelter available in Port Townsend during the harshest months or winter.
As a former supporter of Dennis Kucinich for president, he also spoke as an uncommitted Democrat during the Jefferson County presidential caucuses in Port Townsend.
Richmond supports the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq as soon as possible.
Dicks supports a phased withdrawal of troops.
"Because special interests are running our country, we're watching our country be destroyed," Richmond said.
"Because we're in an unnecessary war, we're taking on trillions in debt, while many of our soldiers go to Moneytree [which provides payday loans] to survive week to week."
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Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: March 18. 2008 9:00PM